Electric BillsWhy Electricity Prices Differ So Much by State
Electricity costs several times more per kWh in some states than others. EIA data shows how fuel mix, grid costs, regulation and climate drive the gap.
Electricity rates by state (August 2026)
The average US residential electricity rate was 18.16¢ per kWh in August 2026, +3.4% compared with a year earlier. Over the last 12 months it averaged 18.16¢. Click a column to sort.
| State | August 2026 | Rank | 12-month avg | vs year earlier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16.33¢ | #26 | 16.44¢ | +0.4% |
| Alaska | 29.41¢ | #5 | 26.94¢ | +5.8% |
| Arizona | 15.05¢ | #36 | 15.39¢ | −0.3% |
| Arkansas | 14.37¢ | #43 | 13.57¢ | +7.8% |
| California | 29.75¢ | #4 | 32.34¢ | −3.8% |
| Colorado | 17.17¢ | #22 | 17.17¢ | +5.9% |
| Connecticut | 24.51¢ | #11 | 27.42¢ | −18.8% |
| Delaware | 18.70¢ | #19 | 17.98¢ | +11.0% |
| District of Columbia | 25.98¢ | #9 | 24.48¢ | +12.1% |
| Florida | 14.99¢ | #37 | 15.41¢ | −2.2% |
| Georgia | 15.90¢ | #31 | 15.17¢ | +2.3% |
| Hawaii | 47.18¢ | #1 | 44.27¢ | +22.5% |
| Idaho | 13.37¢ | #47 | 12.77¢ | +10.7% |
| Illinois | 19.32¢ | #18 | 18.91¢ | +7.2% |
| Indiana | 17.02¢ | #24 | 16.90¢ | +5.0% |
| Iowa | 17.06¢ | #23 | 14.20¢ | +10.2% |
| Kansas | 15.47¢ | #34 | 15.13¢ | +5.6% |
| Kentucky | 13.80¢ | #44 | 13.94¢ | +5.3% |
| Louisiana | 12.87¢ | #50 | 13.02¢ | +2.5% |
| Maine | 32.11¢ | #2 | 29.60¢ | +14.1% |
| Maryland | 21.40¢ | #15 | 21.18¢ | +7.6% |
| Massachusetts | 30.48¢ | #3 | 30.39¢ | −0.2% |
| Michigan | 22.99¢ | #13 | 21.28¢ | +10.9% |
| Minnesota | 17.20¢ | #21 | 16.28¢ | +1.8% |
| Mississippi | 14.43¢ | #41 | 14.85¢ | +6.0% |
| Missouri | 16.02¢ | #28 | 13.97¢ | +4.6% |
| Montana | 15.57¢ | #33 | 13.94¢ | +9.0% |
| Nebraska | 13.54¢ | #45 | 12.74¢ | +5.8% |
| Nevada | 12.72¢ | #51 | 13.45¢ | +1.4% |
| New Hampshire | 27.64¢ | #8 | 26.95¢ | +13.1% |
| New Jersey | 24.61¢ | #10 | 23.74¢ | −0.4% |
| New Mexico | 16.51¢ | #25 | 16.51¢ | +3.3% |
| New York | 28.65¢ | #6 | 28.60¢ | +7.5% |
| North Carolina | 14.95¢ | #38 | 14.79¢ | +2.5% |
| North Dakota | 13.31¢ | #48 | 12.35¢ | +2.6% |
| Ohio | 19.38¢ | #17 | 18.41¢ | +10.4% |
| Oklahoma | 14.82¢ | #39 | 13.81¢ | +2.8% |
| Oregon | 15.92¢ | #29 | 15.53¢ | +0.4% |
| Pennsylvania | 21.77¢ | #14 | 20.86¢ | +9.2% |
| Rhode Island | 28.18¢ | #7 | 29.44¢ | +6.2% |
| South Carolina | 15.76¢ | #32 | 15.77¢ | +4.0% |
| South Dakota | 15.15¢ | #35 | 14.28¢ | +9.0% |
| Tennessee | 13.42¢ | #46 | 13.61¢ | +2.5% |
| Texas | 15.91¢ | #30 | 15.98¢ | +3.3% |
| Utah | 13.31¢ | #49 | 13.26¢ | −2.3% |
| Vermont | 23.84¢ | #12 | 23.90¢ | +7.9% |
| Virginia | 17.64¢ | #20 | 16.64¢ | +11.3% |
| Washington | 14.63¢ | #40 | 14.20¢ | +7.2% |
| West Virginia | 16.31¢ | #27 | 15.53¢ | +4.4% |
| Wisconsin | 19.41¢ | #16 | 18.79¢ | +5.3% |
| Wyoming | 14.43¢ | #42 | 14.01¢ | +0.7% |
US average residential rate over time
US average, cents per kWh
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Form EIA-861M monthly sales and revenue data. Latest month: August 2026. Recent months may be preliminary and revised by EIA. See how we calculate.
Why electricity rates differ between states
The price per kWh covers generating electricity, moving it over long-distance transmission lines and delivering it through local distribution lines. States that rely on cheap hydropower or local fuel tend to pay less; states that import fuel or have high grid costs pay more. Weather, demand and state policies also play a part. Read more in why electricity prices vary by state.
How the average rate is calculated
Each state's average is the revenue utilities collected from homes divided by the kWh they sold (EIA Form 861M). The 12-month figure is weighted by how much electricity was sold each month, so it smooths out seasonal swings. Your own rate depends on your utility or supplier and your plan.
Can you choose your electricity provider?
In most states one regulated utility supplies and delivers your power. In states with retail choice you can buy the electricity itself from a competing supplier, while the local utility still delivers it. States with retail choice in our data: Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Delaware, District of Columbia. See deregulated electricity states and fixed vs variable rate plans.
Ways to pay less
- Find the biggest users with the appliance energy cost calculator and our appliance cost pages.
- Ask your utility about time-of-use rates if you can shift use to off-peak hours.
- Follow practical ways to lower your electric bill.
- Check whether solar pays off in your state.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average electricity rate in the US?
The average US residential electricity rate was 18.16¢ per kWh in August 2026, according to EIA data.
Which state has the highest electricity rates?
Hawaii had the highest average residential rate in August 2026 at 47.18¢ per kWh.
Which state has the cheapest electricity?
Nevada had the lowest average residential rate in August 2026 at 12.72¢ per kWh.
Are electricity rates going up?
The US average residential rate was +3.4% compared with the same month a year earlier (August 2026, EIA). Changes differ by state – see the table for each state.
How is the average electricity rate calculated?
Average rate = residential revenue ÷ residential kWh sold, from EIA Form 861M. The 12-month average is weighted by kWh sold each month.
What is a kWh?
A kilowatt-hour is 1,000 watts used for one hour – for example a 1,000-watt heater running for an hour. Electric bills charge per kWh.
Which states let you choose your electricity provider?
Retail choice is available for homes in states including Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Delaware, District of Columbia. Rules and how many customers can switch differ by state.
Guides
Electric Bills
Switching ProvidersDeregulated Electricity States: Where You Can Choose Your Electricity Provider
Retail choice lets you buy electricity supply from a competitive supplier while your utility still delivers it. Here are the states where homes can choose.
Saving EnergyHow to Lower Your Electric Bill: 12 Practical, Sourced Ways
Practical ways to lower your electric bill, from free thermostat and standby-power fixes to LEDs, insulation and rate plans, each backed by DOE, EPA or EIA guidance.